Cancer survivor urges public to fill 10,000 home care jobs

Not even a tumour in her brain could put off hard worker Suraya Alvi from chasing her ‘dream job’ in home care - so much so that she's become the poster girl for Home Instead Senior Care in its quest to fill 10,000 care jobs within the next two years.

Suraya Alvi had been experiencing hearing loss while working as a care worker and was shocked to learn cancer was the cause of her hearing problems.

As the 40-year-old mum of one was wheeled into the operating theatre to get the tumour removed, she vowed to return to her ‘dream job’ as a care worker, if she survived with her health intact.

Luckily, Ms Alvi’s operation was a success but her recovery was slower than she’d expected. She soon found herself frustrated by her loss of independence.

“I wasn’t myself and was extremely reliant on my mum, sisters and friends for a long time. I was lethargic and had no energy at all. I thought then ‘if I can get through this and back to being myself, I want to get back to caring.”

Eventually, she made a full recovery and joined Home Instead Senior Care in July 2016 in the role of ‘CAREGiver’. The UK-wide home care provider, matches clients to their ‘CAREGivers’ based on backgrounds, interests and hobbies. Its visits are a minimum of one hour to avoid rushed care.

Ms Alvi said: “My own experience gave me an even deeper understanding of the frustration that many people feel about losing their independence as they age. Now I can say that I really ‘get it’ and it’s made me even better at my job."

While Home Instead Senior Care has 10,000 homecare jobs to fill over the next two years, a spokeswoman for the group said: “Qualifications in care are not needed to apply” as the care provider is looking for “people who have compassion and empathy”. All the training needed for a home care job is provided by the group.

Describing why she joined Home Instead Senior Care and why she feels others should apply for a job there too she said: “Caring is something I’ve always felt came naturally to me and it’s brilliant fun with this company.

"They really take the time to match clients to CAREGivers so I’ve genuinely had something in common with every elderly person I visit."

One client visited by Ms Alvi every week is 90-year-old Helen. Every Wednesday night they spend four hours playing bingo at the local working men’s club. Ms Alvi laughs: “She’s the Queen of the club there, they absolutely love her! She’s 90 but absolutely full of beans especially when she’s got her dabbers lined up and has her eyes down for a full house.”

Suraya regularly takes selfies with her clients to show just how rewarding the profession can be to people thinking about a career in care or considering a career change.

Looking back on what her life was like before and her life has turned out now she said: “I’m back to health and back doing work that I love.”

Looking for a home care job? Visit homecare.co.uk/jobs

click here for more details or to contact Home Instead